Peugeot 308 Hybrid 180 first drive

Inside, the new 308 features the latest version of Peugeot’s i-Cockpit, which is frequently described as ‘controversial’ and ‘divisive’ but actually retains enough physical buttons that it might seem quite conventionally pleasing to those put off by the touchscreen-and-haptic- panel-dominated dashboard of the Golf. It can still be difficult to see the digital displays at times, but once you’ve become familiar with it, you shouldn’t find too much to fault.

It helps that Peugeot has made a number of useful tweaks, with a revamped layout for the steering wheel binnacle controls and the ability to customise both the digital instrument display and the 10in infotainment touchscreen. On higher trim levels, the digital display features a 3D effect, which is neither as bad as it sounds nor quite as good as Peugeot possibly thinks it is.

The touchscreen looks slick but it isn’t as intuitive or well laid out as the Golf’s (at least when Volkswagen’s software works properly). Notably, the 308 has been designed to take over-the-air software updates.

The interior is perfectly practical for family use, with comfortable seats and reasonable space in the back, thanks in part to the wheelbase having been stretched by 55mm. There’s also a competitive 412-litre boot, although that shrinks to 361 litres in PHEV models. Peugeot also claims 34 litres of storage in various in-cabin cubbies.

The hybrid powertrain proves well integrated, starting typically silently and smoothly in EV mode, with minimal jolting when the ICE kicks in. The combined 266lb ft of torque means progress is brisk, and unless you really attack the throttle pedal, the ICE shows strong refinement.

In a competitive class, the 308 can certainly hold its own when it comes to ride. On 17in wheels, it’s excellent, soaking up bumps with aplomb and combining with the smooth, quiet powertrain to offer a smooth ride and generally pleasing drive. The additional weight of the PHEV system (which makes our test car more than 300kg heavier than some 308s) doesn’t seem to overly burden the car, thanks in part to the extra power. In fact, it rides better than the lighter 1.2 Puretech petrol we tested on 18in wheels.

The Hybrid 180 version is certainly competitive within the growing PHEV hatchback ranks. While it won’t be class leading in every regard, its useful real-world EV range, lower running costs and low BIK tax are all comparable to key rivals’, so the numbers should add up pretty well.

More generally, if you were in the market for a family hatchback and looking at these things totally objectively, you would probably still go for the Focus or Golf. But car buying is, of course, never really a totally objective process, and if you’re attracted by the sharp styling, I can absolutely see why you might choose the 308. And if you do, you’ll probably be very happy with your decision.